System for originating film and video images simultaneously, for use in modification of video originated images toward simulating images originated on film

ABSTRACT

Digital signals are generated and stored for each pixel of a frame of a video originated material. A computer reads the digital signals and converts them to binary image data by employing a program to reassign color and black component values for each pixel. The component value reassignments performed by the computer are a primary component modification step. The primary component modification step, in one embodiment, comprises component modifications by selected image zones of the video originated images, based on color data within actual filmed images originated simultaneously as the video images. The film origination and video origination are preferably provided by the same camera, with image data delivered for both through the same lens by way of a &#34;beam-splitter&#34; device. The primary component modified digital data is assembled and a secondary modification may also be performed. Film stock emulsion grain patterns are introduced to the images in the second modification step. Digital devices may be employed wherein random or pseudorandom digital noise is added to each image. Alternatively, the modified video image may be videoprojected onto a selected translucent film surface from which the image is videographed, thereby embodying the film grain pattern from the film surface. A digital film recorder may also be used to record the component modified video image within the emulsion of unexposed, photographic film stock.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of Ser. No. 08/264,433, filedJun. 23, 1994, U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,491 which is a Continuation-In-Partof Ser. No. 07/922,701 filed Aug. 6, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,374,954,which is in turn a Continuation-In-Part of Ser. No. 07/595,082, filedOct. 11, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,414.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The system of the present invention seeks to arrive at an aestheticallyacceptable simulation of the appearance images originated on differentmotion picture and other photographic film stocks embody after telecine"flying spot scanner" transfer to video, from taped high definitionvideo originated images. Furthermore, the invention seeks to provide newoptions in processing video originated material, not limited toapproximating the results images originated on a film stock would havemanifested on video of a given videographic subject.

This invention relates to the simulation of video images originated onmotion picture and other photographic film stocks, from high definitionvideo originated material stored on video tape.

Film has been the preferred recording medium on which to originate manyproductions broadcast on television for years because of thesophisticated visual impression provided by the character of filmstocks' color response and the general audience familiarity with theappearance resulting from filmed material presented on television; theresulting "look", a product of the photo-chemical process preceding theproduction of television signals representative of the image stored inthe photo-chemical process, differs in several ways from videooriginated material of an identical photographic subject. Two key waysin which it differs is the focus of this invention: The color and greyscale component value response in each pixel of the resulting image on atelevision monitor; and the subtle visual impression made by thetextured appearance of film grain, which is inherent to images storedwithin motion picture film emulsion and photographic film in general.

Though color negative film has the ability to reproduce abundantly morecolor and grey scale gradients than video originated images, when videoimages are created from filmed images by means of a standard telecine"flying spot scanner" transfer, an illusion of the entire range offilm's color response is maintained. This phenomenon, occurring withinthe scope of the video medium, provides that constants exist that candefine the variation in pixel response between film and video originatedimages shot under identical lighting conditions, when viewed on videomonitors: It is the combination of filmed information as it can bereproduced on a monitor that provides the overall maintenance of the"film look", and each separate color component combination of each pixelof film originated image is in fact available and employed by videooriginated images, though in response to a different photographicstimulus in almost every case.

The video data resulting from a telecine transfer defines filmed imagesin video terms, so the medium in question is in fact video, and theparameters and actual subtleness of projected filmed images are not theissue. Rather, the video data assigned to a resulting pixel representinga zone of film emulsion is an averaging process provided by videostandards and color and grey scale gradients recognized as thoseregistered and visible on standard television receivers.

Digital video technology has provided that digital data defines videoimages and encodes the color and grey component values for each pixel inaddressable sequences, able to be "read" and "rewritten" into a store.Therefore, given uniform and predominantly shadow-free lighting and evencolor temperature during original videotaping, and careful slating ofthis data for each shot in foot candles and degrees kelvin respectively,digital data logged from pixel response of color data originally storedin film stock emulsion, under the same light intensity and colortemperature conditions, can be referenced according to principalvideographic variables and inserted in place of the original video colordata. This would create an aesthetic compromise that permitsapproximation of potentially any film stock's anticipated response tothe same stimulus represented in video form.

Existing technology for the printing industry and digital video providefor scan-sequential and specifically addressed pixel componentmodifications according to look-up-table data, as the system of thepresent invention may employ, (i.e., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,727,425;4,710,806).

Existing technology in two other areas provides further options for thepresent invention, toward the goal of simulating filmed images fromvideo originated images:

Sophisticated beam splitter devices, capable of dividing an imagedelivered through a single lens for recording by both photographic filmand a "video tap" unit, now provide a sufficient amount of the lensimage to properly expose for image reproduction by film and a CCD videochip, within a fiber optic "video tap" device. Presently, at least a 460line, "flicker-free" broadcast-quality video image can be captured whilethe same lens image exposes a selected film stock, of a selected gaugesize, properly. The present invention utilizes this new flexibility, notfor the primary purpose of allowing for pre-editing of video forreference when selecting filmed shots to be edited, but for the purposeof providing filmed reference frames on a selected "reference" filmstock, preferably on a small film gauge size, for use in reassigningcolor data within the video images recorded of the same scene(s) for thepurpose of simulating the color response of the selected "reference"film stock.

Further technology, presently available, would then allow for a selectedmeans to identify image zones within the video image(s), to bereferenced against the same corresponding zones in the filmed images,for selectively specific modification of the video zones to imitate theselectively averaged zone color values within the filmed image(s).Further, present means also would provide that a single filmed image canserve as the color reference frame for a number of video images from thesame scene, as is often the process in black and white feature filmcolorization processes, allowing for a small number of small gauge sizefilmed images, (perhaps 8 mm in width,) to provide ample data tosatisfactorily "recolorize" all of the video originated material to bemodified.

New high definition television systems and video projection systemscapable of manifesting a high definition compatible number of scanninglines provide the means for executing a process whereby actual filmgrain within celluloid emulsion can be married with a projected image,and videographed with a loss in image clarity low enough to produce afinal result which provides a film "look" to images at an aestheticallyacceptable sacrifice to the original high definition integrity of thevideo images. Present systems strive to simulate film grain appearancesdigitally, with a result that is visibly different from actual filmgrain appearances on monitors, following a telecine "transfer." Byincorporating the general videography-of-film operating basis oftelecine devices, high definition projection and camera units mounted ontracks, with macro lensing, "gen-lock" synched together, and matchingscan lines to the highest degree possible, can capture a complete videoframe as it is projected on a grey emulsion surface of optional size.This recreation of a video signal of a high number of scanning linesfrom a high definition projection would have a resulting actual claritysubstantially less than that of the original video material, but withthe aesthetic look of film originated images. Present systems forproviding an NTSC signal from a high definition signal may be employedat this stage, or the signal may be maintained as a higher definitionsignal for recording, monitoring or broadcasting.

Other existing means may be employed after the color data modificationstep of the present invention, in lieu of the physical videography ofprojected images manifested on celluloid. Those means may include: Theaddition of video "noise" to each video image, pseudorandom digitalvideo noise being preferable; or, the physical recording of thecolor-modified video images onto photographic film, by way of anexisting digital film recorder, which then may provide images on filmwhich may be re-scanned to a video format for recording, now embodyingthe emulsion grain aspect of the film on which the images were recorded.

So, for many television applications where film is shot for telecinetransfer to video, there are benefits to be gained by employing thesystem of the present invention. At the production level: a televisioncamera is employed instead of a film camera, providing silence;immediate screening of the actual material shot; immediate soundsynching; lesser risk of reshoots from screening original material forproblems immediately; and no expense of negative film. In postproduction: processing of film, transfer to video and sound synching arenot needed; having shot video, dailies need not be awaited; all shotselections destined for final modification by the system of theinvention are made at preliminary "off-line" edit sessions, minimizingthe actual amount of material submitted for modification and thus timecharges as opposed to a film shoot where typically all material must betransferred to tape, at substantial expense, for initial screening; andduring modification by this system, a variety of film stock componentresponse and film grain options may be previewed and imparted to theoriginal video material, providing a unique range of new post-productionaesthetic effects to video originated material.

In addition to the patents discussed above, United States patentsproviding a general background to the present invention are as follows:

    ______________________________________                                        3,637,937   1/1972    Deveson      355/83                                     3,707,599  12/1972    Brown        358/346                                    4,268,865   5/1981    Millward     358/216                                    4,389,668   6/1983    Favreau      358/83                                     4,453,178   9/1984    Moriguchi    358/60                                     4,514,818   4/1985    Walker       364/521                                    4,633,416  12/1986    Walker       364/521                                    4,684,990   8/1987    Oxley        358/22                                     4,710,806   9/1987    Iwai/Uno     358/81                                     4,727,425   9/1988    Mayne        358/80                                     4,771,342   9/1988    Beesley      358/335                                    4,782,397   9/1988    Kimoto       358/252                                    4,839,721   9/1989    Abdulwahab   358/80                                     4,885,787   9/1989    Okamoto/Kida 382/54                                     4,894,724   9/1990    Welkowsky    358/231                                    4,899,216   9/1990    Tatsumi      358/80                                     4,901,161   9/1990    Giovanella   358/346                                    4,901,258   9/1990    Akiyama      364/577                                    4,935,816             Faber                                                   5,264,946  11/1993    Takura       358/466                                    5,335,013             Faber                                                   ______________________________________                                    

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The system according to the present invention provides means fordigitally modifying high definition video originated images shot undereven, controlled lighting conditions, in one embodiment according tolook-up-table programs based on film-originated digital color and blackcomponent binary response logs.

The invention furthermore provides, in one embodiment, a secondary meansfor imparting a variety of possible film-grain "textured" appearances tothe image resulting from the primary modification with an apparatuswhich videographs a video projection of the color modified, highdefinition video signal from off an emulsion layer of variably darkstrips of motion picture film.

Standard video response to each gradient of red, green, blue and blackdistinguishable by broadcast television is derived from analyses ofdigital response data to color chart gradients, by a predictablyresponsive high definition video camera model, designated as a componentof this system. The film originated digital "responses" are derived fromcinematography of the same color charts under the same lightingconditions, with the conversion to digital video provided by a preciselyadjusted telecine, "flying spot scanner" apparatus; binary datapertaining to single pixel component values are then logged accordingly.These digital results; the range of original video color data eachdigital "response" commands; and the number of charts assembled for agiven film stock program, (designated and compiled according tocombinations of original videography lighting conditions), define theamount of data held within each "look up chart" program and thus thecolor and grey-scale gradient reproduction detail available in a givenfilm stock simulation program.

According to one aspect, the invention relates to a video signalmodification system for converting video originated images into finalvideo images simulating images originated from photographic film stocks,the modification system including: means for modifying component valuesof pixels within the video originated image to approximate anticipatedcomponent results of each pixel had a selected film stock been theoriginal image storing medium; computing means coupled to said modifyingmeans for reassigning values for said component values of picture pixelsin said video originated images for substantially each said picturepixel within each frame of said video originated images in dependence onsaid modified component value selected from said modifying means andthereby producing intermediate video images; and means for producingsaid final video images from said intermediate video images.

According to this embodiment, the means for modifying comprises meansfor holding conversion data which correlates component values of picturepixels in the originated images with modified component values, theconversion data being selectible for the picture pixel based on aplurality of parameters; the conversion data being compiled andrecallable according to a selected photographic film stock to besimulated according to principal videographic variables.

The principal videographic variables comprise any one or any combinationof the following parameters which include:

(a) color temperature of light illuminating the subject area beingvideographed;

(b) brightness of light illuminating the subject area beingvideographed; and

(c) a selected camera setting of a camera used to originate imagesdestined for modification.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to a video signalmodification system for simulating video images originated onphotographic film stocks from video originated images, including:computing means for reassigning color and black component values foreach pixel, within each frame of a video originated image, based ondigital component modifications; computing means for reassigning valuesfor the component values for substantially each picture pixel withineach frame of the video originated images in dependence on the modifiedcomponent value and thereby producing intermediate video images; meansfor instilling selected film grain patterns of optional density and sizeto the intermediate video images; and final image producing means forproducing the final video images from the intermediate video imageswhich have had the film grain patterns instilled therein.

According to yet another aspect, the invention relates to a method forconverting video originated images into final video images simulatingimages originated from photographic film stocks, the method including:

modifying component values of pixels within the video originated imageto approximate anticipated component results of each pixel had aselected film stock been the original image storing medium;

reassigning values for the component values of picture pixels in thevideo originated images for substantially each picture pixel within eachframe of the video originated images in dependence on the modifiedcomponent value selected from the memory and thereby producingintermediate video images; and

producing the final video images from the intermediate video images.

According to yet still another aspect, the invention relates to a methodfor simulating video images originated on motion picture or otherphotographic film stocks from video originated images, including:reassigning color and black component values for each pixel, within eachframe of a video originated image, based on digital componentmodifications; reassigning values for the component value forsubstantially each picture pixel within each frame of the videooriginated images in dependence on the modified component value andthereby producing intermediate video images; instilling selected filmgrain patterns of optional density and size to the intermediate videoimages; and producing the final video images from the intermediate videoimages which have had the film grain patterns instilled therein.

According to yet still a further aspect, the invention relates to amethod for simulating video images originated on motion picture or otherphotographic film stocks from video originated images, including:reassigning color and black component values for each pixel, within eachframe of a video originated image, based on digital componentmodifications; storing programs on which the digital componentmodifications are based, instilling film grain patterns of optionaldensity and size, to the images resulting from a videoprojection offrame store data derived from primary digital modification; andvideographing the videoprojection with a camera unit, aligned to andwith technical means to maintain a high degree of the projected image'sintegrity.

According to yet still another aspect, the invention relates to a methodfor converting video originated images into final video imagessimulating images originated from motion picture or other photographicfilm, the method including: storing in a memory conversion datacorrelating color and black component values of picture pixels in thevideo originated images with modified component values, the conversiondata being selectible for the picture pixels based on a plurality ofparameters including lighting conditions; reassigning values for thecolor and black component values for substantially each picture pixelwithin each frame of the video originated images in dependence on themodified component values selected from the memory thereby producingintermediate video images; instilling selected film grain patterns ofoptional density and size into the intermediate video images; andproducing the final video images from the intermediate video imageswhich have had the film grain patterns instilled therein.

According to yet still a further object, the invention relates to amethod for converting video originated images into final video imagessimulating images originated from motion picture or other photographicfilm, the method including storing conversion data in a memorycorrelating color and black component values of picture pixels in thevideo originated images with modified component values, the conversiondata being selectible for the picture pixels based on a plurality ofparameters including lighting conditions and camera setting; reassigningvalues for the component values for substantially each picture pixelwithin each frame of the video originated images in dependence on themodified component values selected from the memory and thereby producingintermediate video images; and producing the final video images from theintermediate video images.

The present invention thus provides a video signal modification systemfor converting video-originated images into final video imagessimulating images originated from motion picture and other photographicfilm. To this end, conversion data located in, e.g., look-up-tables, orderived from color data within filmed images originated simultaneouslyas the video originated images, from the same scene as delivered throughthe same lens, are used for reassigning color and black component valuesto the picture pixels in the video-originated images with the help ofcomputing means thereby to produce intermediate video images. Grainpattern instilling means instill selected film grain patterns ofoptional density and size into the intermediate video images thereby toproduce final video images which appear as though they were derived frommotion picture or other photographic film stock.

According to another aspect of this invention, means are provided fordigitally modifying images shot under even, controlled lightingconditions, in one embodiment according to look-up-tables based on asecond image medium's digital component binary response logs. Accordingto the invention, the image medium from which the image destined forcomponent modification is originated is not limited to any singleelectronic or photo-chemical image originating/storing medium. Further,the image medium which is being simulated by way of the componentmodifications is also not limited to being any one electronic orphoto-chemical medium.

According to this embodiment, the invention comprises a method forprocessing information in an image originated on a first medium intodata representative of a modified image simulating an image originatedon a selected second medium, comprising producing digital datarepresentative of the color component response of a selected secondmedium under a selected group of variables affecting the response of thesecond medium to subject colors; storing said digital data in a memoryfor use in modifying digital data representative of color componentvalues within said image originated on the first medium to simulate eachcorresponding component response within an image originated on saidsecond medium.

According to this embodiment, the invention further comprises apparatusfor processing information in an image on a first image storing mediuminto data representative of a modified image simulating an imageoriginated on a second image storing medium, comprising means forproducing digital data representative of the color component response ofa selected second medium under a selected group of variables affectingthe response of the second medium to subject colors; means for storingsaid digital data in a memory for use in modifying each digitalcomponent in the image originated from the first medium to simulate eachcorresponding component of an image originated from the second medium;means for correlating data derived from the image from the first mediumwith said digital data representative of the color component response ofthe selected second medium; means for selectively modifying saidinformation in the image originating on the first medium based on thedigital data representative of the color component response of theselected second medium, thereby to simulate in said image originating onthe first medium characteristics of said second medium.

This invention furthermore provides the option of secondary means forimparting a variety of possible film-grain "textured" appearances to theimage resulting from the primary components modification.

According to yet still a further aspect, the invention relates to amethod for converting video originated image color data into final videoimage color data, simulating the image color data had the image beenoriginated on a motion picture or other photographic film; the methodincluding the origination of actual filmed images at the time oforiginating video images destined for modification, by way of abeam-splitter device capable of delivering ample image data to both aselected unexposed film stock and a selected video imaging unit. Each ofthese filmed images may be used as a reference for one or a number ofvideo originated images, by a selected means for identifying selectivelyspecific image zones, in reassigning color data to corresponding imagezones within said video originated images.

The prior art of which applicant is aware and which includes means tosimulate the color response of film from video originated images, doeshave the limitation of requiring uniform and predominantly shadow freelighting. The configuration of the system according to one embodiment ofthe invention, described herein, accomplishes the color "correction"phase of the process by providing actual filmed reference frames of theexact image being videographed, on any selected film stock, to be usedin reassigning color component values by selected "zones" of the videooriginated images.

Existing film cameras with "video assists" which incorporate advancedbeam splitting and fiber optic video tap technology, provide means toprovide high resolution video images and filmed images by way of asingle lens, of the same original image. The "Vidiflex" systemdistributed by Cinema Products, Corp. is one such system, allowing foras little as 10% of the beam-split lens image to be relayed to the videotap unit (while still producing a fully broadcast quality video image,)as the remaining 90% of the split image is relayed for properphotographic exposure of a selected 35 mm film stock, the televisionindustry standard.

The present invention involves such beam splitting means to relay thelens image to both a selectively high resolution video unit, (which maybe a high definition video unit,) and to the emulsion of a selectivelysmall gauge size of photographic film. This camera, preferablyconfigured primarily as a video camera, would provide the option ofexposing the "reference" film frames at slower frame rates than theindustry standard, 24 film frames per second; by exposing as few as asingle frame of film per second for example, on as small as 8 mm film,for example, the elements of film production cost are greatly minimized.In essence, the camera unit becomes a video camera with a "film tap,"instead of the typical use of the "video tap," or "video assist"technology, which is the reverse. During original videography the needsof both capturing a proper video image and properly exposed film imagemust be considered, as both have input into the appearance of the final,on line images provided by way of this system.

In post production, after all final video material has been edited, thatfilm corresponding to the selected final video images would be processedand digitized. Existing digital means to identify and isolate imagezones, including those programs which identify image areas involvingselectively similar ranges of color, (black, luminance or other selectedimage characteristics,) may isolate image areas to be preciselyreferenced against those identical selected image areas within the filmoriginated material, which was derived from the simultaneously recordedoriginal image.

Programming providing for a selectively detailed averaging of colorvalues within the matching zones or digitized filmed images, would thenallow for new values to be assigned to the original video zones,allowing the video originated images to approximate the color responseof the filmed images of the same original scene with selectedspecificity. Presently utilized technology and advancements such asthose disclosed in Takakura (U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,946) provides means toidentify and extract image regions based on gray levels, chromaticitypositional information, or differential values of an image, among othermeans, with discrete threshold settings allowing for quite discreteisolation of desired image zones. Firms specializing in the colorizationof black and white films use various effective means for automaticidentification of image zones by image characteristics, for assignmentof selected color data to those zones.

Should it be desired that one image derived from film is to be used inreassigning color value data to more than a single video originatedimage, (allowing for slower film frame rate speed during originalshooting,) existing digital technology can provide that:--theselectively specific image zones isolated for modification based on theaveraged filmed color values from respective image zones, may continueto be identified and modified within several sequential video-originatedframes, based on a single film originated image's color data. Theidentification of these zones within subsequent frames of videooriginated material may be based on the identification of a selectedrange of color values as they shift within a selectively small area ofthe entire image, or by other existing means. Aesthetically, a happymedium of video originated images per film originated reference imagemay be reached based on the degree of specificity of the zoned colormodifications and the maintenance of a convincing, film-originated colorresponse "look" within the modified video originated material. The firmAmerican Film Technologies of San Diego, for example, utilizes existingtechnology to automatically reassign color data in a series of videoimages from a single "key frame" image, which in the context of thepresent system allows for a single filmed image to provide discreteimage zone color data to a series of images from a single scene, whereinall objects within subsequent frames are present in the filmed "keyframe" color reference image.

The color modified, video-originated material may then be displayed,recorded directly, or subjected to the physical or digital "film stockgrain pattern instilling/simulation" means disclosed in this applicationand in its parent applications, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,374,954 and5,140,414. The digital grain instilling means may include the option ofthe generation of random noise (or digital pseudorandom noise), which isintroduced into each video image, such as that disclosed by Beesely inU.S. Pat. No. 4,771,342. A physical grain instilling means may includethe videography of images as formed on a grain embodying, film sheathand the actual recording of digital image data onto unexposed film, byway of a digital film recorder apparatus.

Further, the modified video may also be subjected to an additionalexisting process involving inter-field interpolation, lending the videooriginated images the frame-rate visual impression inherent to filmoriginated images following telecine transfer to video. This means fordropping and repeating image data over selected video fields to simulatethe frame rate appearance of video images originated on film, (whichaccounts for an aspect of the appearance of film when transferred tovideo, including a familiar "strobing" appearance when objects movewithin the image,) is disclosed in Faber U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,335,013, and4,935,816. The resulting video may then have images distributed over amodified number of video fields each second, (instead of the typical 60fields, providing 2 fields per image,) ideally serving to simulate thestandard 24 images per second of filmed material, when they aredistributed over the standard 60 fields of video, by way of a telecinetransfer.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following description of the invention which refers tothe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the video modification system and the pathof video signals therein; and

FIG. 2 diagrams the flow of system control data in the block diagram ofFIG. 1, including: component advance, timing, system options, videosynching and insert editing signals; and

FIG. 3 shows in detail, the variable density film grain-instillingapparatus from the left side;

FIG. 4 shows in detail, the celluloid containment assembly portion ofthe film grain-instilling apparatus, from the viewpoint of the cameraunit of the film grain-instilling apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the modification system and the path ofdata therein according to a further embodiment;

FIG. 6 diagrams the "look-up-table" reassignment process of theinvention whereby components within each pixel of an image originatingmedium are referenced and replaced to simulate anticipated componentresponses of a selected second medium to the same image stimulus;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a further device according to the inventionwherein the original image is provided by a beam-splitter to a filmcamera with a video tap unit; and

FIG. 8 shows the process of reassigning color data in video originatedimages from filmed image data.

DRAWINGS REFERENCE NUMBER

1--High definition camera; principal videography

2--High definition record VTR

3--Slate with system relevant data for each scene

4--High definition playback VTR

5--Analog-Digital converter

6--Frame store

7--System computer/pixel data digital modifier

8--System keyboard

9--Disc drive

10--Film stock component simulation program

11--Frame store

12--Digital-Analog converter

13--Film grain simulator/instiller apparatus

14--High definition master record VTR

15--High definition monitor

16--Optional, external signal peaking/filtering systems

17--Optional, external manual color correction device

18--High definition-NTSC converter

19--NTSC broadcast format record deck

20--NTSC monitor

21--High definition video projector

22--High definition camera

23--Variable macro lens for projector

24--Variable macro lens for camera

25--Auto focus puller from 35 mm to 16 mm image width

26--Camera auto focus puller, 35 mm to 16 mm image width

27--Torque motor

28--Intermittent advance motor

29--Roller/celluloid sheath assembly raise-lower motor

30--Assembly support/reposition screw

31--Assembly celluloid containment rollers

32--Projected image manifest zone

33--Tracks

34--Projector and Camera dolly in-out motor

35--Projector/Camera reposition screw

36--Variable density celluloid sheath/length

37--Fixed assembly support pillar

38--Assembly frame

39--Camera to projector synch generator

40--Variable density projector filter

41--Projector filter reposition motor

42--Celluloid sheath plane tension/stabilization rollers

43--Principal videographic data input controls; X-color temperature;Y-brightness; Z-t-stop or other additional data

50--Slating of lighting variables, at image originating, relevant tothis system.

51--Image originating camera; electronic or photographic.

52--High resolution optoelectric digital film scanner.

53--Digital video playback deck.

54--Digital frame store.

55--System computer and binary component data modifier.

56--System keyboard and manual aesthetic image modification controls.

57--Image media correlating, component referencing look-up-tableprograms.

58--Digital frame store, containing modified image data.

59--Digital grain pattern instilling program/system.

60--Digital film recorder.

61--Chemical film processor.

62--Motion picture or single image scanner to digital data.

63--Film projector.

64--Videography of videoprojection grain pattern instilling apparatus

65--Video camera component of apparatus, 64.

66--Video projector component of apparatus 64.

67--Light transmissible celluloid sheath assembly of apparatus, 64.

68--Photo CD recorder,

69--Modified video data recorder.

70--System monitor for final display, and manual image modifications.

71--Image originating camera, comprising a selectively small gauge sizefilm recording means, image dividing "beam-splitter," and video "tap"unit, (preferably a high resolution fiber optic, digital unit.)

72--Digital store, deriving images from video originated material.

73--Digital computer and programming means to isolate image zones and toreplace component values with average color value data identified withinselected zones of film originated, digitized images.

74--Interfield interpolation system, redistributing images over amodified number of video fields to simulated the frame rate appearanceof film originated material presented on video, from video originatedmaterial.

75--Video recording means, to store the modified video materialfollowing the process of interfield interpolation process ofredistributing image data over selected video fields.

SYSTEM FUNCTION SIGNALS

D1--Playback deck, single frame advance signal

D2--Keyboard to system computer data

D3--Look-up-table data, to computer internal memory

D4--Camera/Projector 35 mm-16 mm reposition signal

D5--Camera/projector 35 mm-16 mm refocus signal

D6--Celluloid assembly raise/lower signal and projector filterraise/lower signal

D7--Celluloid containment rollers intermittent advance signal

D8--Gen. lock signal from camera synch generator

D9--Master record, single frame insert record signal

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 1, the production stage of this system includes: a highdefinition video signal being provided by a selected camera 1, capableof outputting a signal derived from an oscillatory scan or preferablyfrom a unit that performs an initial scan of at least double the 525lines per two fields of NTSC television, which is recorded by aselected, compatible VTR 2, capable of taping the high definitionsignal. Lighting conditions at principal videography are conformed toone of the available lighting variable combinations, explained in detaillater. These variables, namely the selected camera f-stop setting for ascene, the average brightness of the scene in foot candles, and theaverage color temperature of the scene in degrees Kelvin, are slated forthe camera before each take, 3, or recorded onto a data trackcorresponding to each scene, as input through principal videographicdata input controls, 43; camera setting information may be recordedautomatically on to this data track leaving only lighting variables tobe input manually, with the option of allowing other external devices torelay lighting and/or other principal videographic data for recording onthe data track, replacing the step of slating the variable for thecamera to provide visual reference to the system operator in postproduction. For best results in the primary color component modificationprocess of this system, the color temperature and brightness of eachzone within the area being videographed must be as uniform as possible,and illuminated by diffused, low-key lighting that discouragesshadowing.

In the post-production stage of this system, FIG. 1 diagrams the path ofthe video signal, while FIG. 2 diagrams the flow of system data whichcontrols timing, positioning, synching and advancing of systemcomponents. In response to a frame-advance signal D1, the highdefinition playback deck 4, advances one frame, and outputs this singleframe of video data to analog-digital converter 5. The binary data isheld in frame store 6, and read from this store by system computer 7, atthe rate dictated by the time required to modify data for each red,green, blue and black component for each pixel, scan-sequentially. Toperform this digital modification, a single, selected look-up-table 10,is read by disc drive 9 and relayed as data D3 to the internal memory ofthe system computer 7, in accordance with a table select command enteredthrough the system computer keyboard or data referenced on the principalvideographic variables recorded data track.

The look-up-table selected is of the one-dimensional kind and is anelement of a larger program which is representative of componentresponses of video material originated on a single film stock, in avariety of lighting circumstances. The digital representation of thefilm component responses are derived from telecine, flying-spot-scannertransfer to videotape: By filming color charts and grey scale chartscontaining at least those gradients deemed registrable by broadcast NTSCtelevision and charting the binary component-data results against videooriginated images, shot with the selected high definition camera unit ofthis system, of the same charts under the identical lighting conditions,a basis for translation is formed. A simple film stock program mightcontain tables for five f-stop settings, ten light intensitypossibilities and five color temperature options; a total of 250look-up-tables, contained on discs or another storage medium groupedaccording to f-stop setting, or depending on the volume of data withineach table, an f-stop and a color temperature, with all lightingintensity options for the two fixed variables resulting in ten tablesper disc, etc.

Within a look-up-table, the component value translations may be asspecific as to address the actual subtlety of film and the large numberof color and grey scale gradients color negative film can register.Because the process is designed for eventual display on a video monitor,however, the degree of specificity needed is immediately diminished bythe inherent limitations of video. If data groupings of video dataderived from videography of the charts are to be defined by thosecomponent gradients registrable by NTSC broadcast television, the rangeof original video component data in a single grouping is broadenedfurther, and number of corresponding look-up-table "answers" are reducedin comparison to the huge number of groupings that might be logged. So,the degree of detail available within a single look-up-table, or thetable's capacity, is determined by the intended display system and adetermined level of modification deemed acceptable as a compromisebetween the size of the tables to be assembled and the aesthetic resultof the component modifications; it is an option determined by theintricacy of a given program assembled for this system as implemented bya system computer internal memory capable of storing at least a singletable of the greatest detail that might be needed for the most sensitivemonitoring systems applicable.

Each component's digital "word" is thus read, for each pixel, andreplaced by the corresponding answer "word" which is referenced in thetable and determined to govern the range of original videography data inwhich the "word" submitted falls. The binary response, indicating theapproximate anticipated component value response had the program filmstock been the original image storage medium, is output to a receivingframe-store 11, in which the revised frame of digital video data isassembled. This data is then converted to analog format bydigital-analog converter 12, and is relayed at normal scanning rate, fordisplay, to apparatus 13 for a secondary modification.

Apparatus 13 is designed to instill physically a variety of actualfilm-emulsion grain appearances to images manifested from the primarydigital modification process of this system. As detailed in FIG. 3,diagramming the film-grain instilling apparatus, high definitionprojection unit 21 is the component which receives the modified highdefinition analog video signal. This projection unit is preferably ofthe type capable of reproducing the level of definition and number ofscan lines provided by the video signal. Facing the projection unit lensis a high definition camera unit 22, to which the projector isgen-locked, by means of a synching signal D8, output to the projector bythe camera unit internal synch generator 39. The camera and projectorare mounted on tracking 33, which is itself fixed in the film graininstilling apparatus assembly frame, 38. By means of motor 34, thecamera and projector units move simultaneously toward or away from eachother in response to a signal D4 output by the system computer, whichcommands the units to approach each other a short distance if 16 mm filmgrain is to be simulated, or to move away to simulate a 35 mm grainsize. Other mechanical means to vary the lens positions of the cameraand projector units, 21 and 22, may also be employed in lieu oftracking, providing means to vary the size of the projected imagemanifest zone and corresponding framing of the camera, with the units 21and 22 remaining fixed in the apparatus assembly frame, 38. Variablefocus, macro lenses 23 and 24, on both the projector unit and the cameraunit also respond accordingly to system computer generated signal D5 byfocusing for an image manifest area of either 16 mm or 35 mm in widthautomatically, as provided by focus-pulling motors 25 and 26.

Between the camera and projector lenses is a grain embodying, lighttransmissible surface, preferably comprising a sheath of celluloid 36,and preferably comprised of reversal motion picture film stock, which iscontained between two rollers 31, and kept taut between the containmentrollers by torque motor 27. Stabilization rollers with the ability torotate, 42, are mounted in the assembly frame 38, as are the sheathcontainment rollers, and these stabilization rollers hold the section ofcelluloid on which the videoprojection is manifested on one plane,relative to the projector and camera lenses, at all times. Being of atleast a meter in length and at least 175 mm in width, (meaning top tobottom in FIG. 4), the portion of the celluloid length not visiblebetween the containment rollers, is "spooled" on the rollers. Comprisedfrom top to bottom of 35 mm strips of different grain density and thusdarkness, the celluloid length is a continuous piece containing greyscale gradient strips created by actually exposing and processing thecelluloid-film sheath for this use, accordingly.

Supported by roller assembly support 37 and support screw 30, which aremounted in celluloid roller assembly support frame 38, the rollers andcelluloid length can raise or lower, placing a grey celluloid strip of adifferent darkness in line with the projector beam's image manifest area32, as assembly raise-lower motor 29 turns support screw 30, in responseto data received from the system computer as signal D6. Also inaccordance with the D6 signal, a variable density filter 40, mountedover the lens of the projector unit, is repositioned to a densitysection, by motor 41, to compensate for the darkness of the celluloiddensity strip selected on which to manifest the projection, so that fromthe camera side of the celluloid, a constant level of brightness ismaintained for a given image projected, regardless of the grey scalegradient of the celluloid strip selected as the image manifest surface.

Torque motor 27, has an advancing motor 28 within its housing whichmoves the rollers, and thus celluloid length, in either direction onreceipt of celluloid advance signal D7; this torque/advance motorcombination has means to advance intermittently the rollers, in apossible configuration, not less than 20 mm, up to 30 times each second.Also, a switch triggered as the celluloid nears the end of its length oneither roller, reverses the direction of the advancement, withoutslowing or interrupting the intermittent motion.

The camera unit's scan of the emulsion layer of the celluloidimage-manifest area 32, on which both the camera and the projection arefocused, is of a type which reproduces the maximum number of the scanlines manifested on the celluloid surface; both units being alignedappropriately, the high definition camera should scan synchronously withthe projector, maintaining a high degree of definition and imageintegrity in videographing the projection, without noticeably alteringthe projected color components. The resulting image videographed willembody the selected grain textured appearance of the celluloid emulsionas an aspect of the overall video image.

The high definition signal output by the camera unit may be subjected toexternal peaking and filtering controls 16, or may be converted by anexternal unit 18 to NTSC standards for broadcasting or standard monitordisplay 20, or recording 19; an external aesthetic color adjustingsystem 17, familiar in adjusting signals derived from telecinetransfers, may also be employed in final signal adjustments. The highdefinition camera signal may be recorded directly by high definitionmaster VTR 14, in response to insert frame record signal D9, or thesignal may be output to the deck by optional external components 16 or17, depending on final signal patching.

From the high definition master VTR 14, the image is relayed as acomplete frame to compatible high definition monitor 15. From thisbalanced monitor display, all aesthetic system adjustments to a sceneare made by previewing a single frame and those resulting changesdifferent film stock programs, celluloid density strips for projection,or manual adjustments made through external color or signal modifierswould have on the original video image. In a more sophisticated system,technology such as cascade filtering circuit technology, (U.S. Pat. No.4,885,787) may provide means to modify pixel data quickly enough topreview and view modifications of scenes in real time, so optionsettings need not be made according to the appearance of a single imageand real-time modifications can be seen before they are insert recorded.A configuration of the system of the present invention may also providefor a system computer with an internal memory capable of recalling anentire film stock program, instead of just one look-up-table, theminimum amount of data necessary for modification of a complete videoframe; this would save time during set-up for modification of each newscene having a different corresponding look-up-table within the samefilm stock program. Additionally, principal videographic variables inputthrough controls 43 and/or recorded automatically on a data trackcorresponding to each shot or scene could provide means forautomatically loading and/or referencing a given look-up-table,rendering manual input of variables corresponding to each shotunnecessary, and allowing for the option of unmanned, off-linemodifications of material for aesthetic evaluation of results andoptions.

Though the present system strives to maintain a superior videodefinition level to NTSC, PAL or other television standard throughout tocompensate for any loss of original image integrity incurred through thefilm grain-instilling process of apparatus 13 (FIG. 1), a configurationof this system for the purpose of deriving an NTSC, PAL or othertelevision standard signal from NTSC, PAL or other television standardvideo originated material is possible with a corresponding compromise tothe image derived from the resulting video signal. Referring to FIG. 1,camera 1 might be replaced by a well balanced NTSC, PAL or othertelevision standard unit with its signal being recorded on a broadcastNTSC, PAL or other television standard deck, 2. NTSC deck 4, would relaya frame of video to analog-digital converter 5, and this digital datawould be held in store 6, which would be of a corresponding lessercapacity than the former store which held data binary data for a highdefinition video frame. Computer 7 would execute a total number ofpixel-component modifications per frame of approximately half thatneeded for the high definition configuration, and thus the time frameneeded for this phase could be correspondingly reduced. The programs andlook-up-tables would remain the same, as they address the modificationof each pixel, and would not be changed by the fact that fewer totalpixels per frame are being modified. Store 11 would need only thecapacity to hold data supplied by computer 7 corresponding to the numberof resolved lines provided by the television standard used. This framewould be converted to analog format by converter 12 and the resultingsignal could be output to an external scan-doubling system which wouldprovide high definition compatible projector 21 (FIG. 3), with a signalit would project as an image with an increased number of resolved lines,as compared to a signal where blanking manifests itself as a black linebetween two resolved lines.

The film grain instilling assembly 13 would remain the same, with thecamera unit 22 (FIG. 3), being replaced by a unit of the selectedtelevision standard, such as those used in present telecine"film-to-tape" systems. The option of filtering and peaking controls 16and external color correction 17 would remain, and the selectedtelevision standard signal could be routed directly from the camera unit22 or from the optional modifier(s) for final recording by a masterrecord deck replaced in this configuration by an NTSC broadcast formatunit 19. Final display for system previewing and reviewing would occuron monitor 20, replaced by a unit of the selected television standard,such as higher performance NTSC units used in conjunction with telecinefilm-to-tape transferring systems. All other system functions and datasignals would remain as in the high definition configuration.

As the configuration of this system can take optional forms to conformto different television standards and display uses, it is important tonote that although the preferred embodiment discloses a system in whicha digital signal is converted to analog and then back to digital withinthe two step modification process, another configuration of this systemmay employ all digital components, rendering all analog-digital-analogconversions unnecessary.

FIG. 5 illustrates the broad versatility of the system according to theinvention including the option of originating images, destined formodification by this system, either electronically or photo-chemically;film, video, photo CD or other cameras may thus be the means tooriginally record the image, as the step of digitizing images which arenot already in digital form broadens the scope of both image recordingmedia allowable for originating images to be modified by this system,and the range of possible image media which can be simulated with thatoriginal image data.

Accordingly, electronic or photographic camera 51 will capture theimage, under lighting circumstances 50 which are slated or loggedelectronically and conforming to lighting variable circumstances forwhich a system look-up-table 57 is prepared. Images which are notoriginated as binary data are digitized by scanner 52, and relayed todigital frame store 54. Digital video playback deck 53 relays digitalvideo images frame-by-frame to the store 54, and single image digitaldata such as photo CD, can be relayed directly to the store. Thus, anyimage originating and storing medium may be employed to originate imagesfor this system, and reciprocally, any image originating/storing mediummay be simulated with those images.

As with the previous embodiment described, digital store 54 is read bysystem computer 55, which executes component modifications to eachcomponent within frame store data held in store 54, reassigning binarycomponent data indicating pixel color response, based on look-up-table57. As with like components of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 like components functionas do their counterparts in FIG. 1.

Look-up-table 57 need not be limited to programs corresponding to colorresponse of film stocks. Component response data may correspond to anyselected electronic or photo-chemical image medium, by way of digitaldata logging of color response of this selected medium.

Following the component modification process, image data reconstructedin store 58 may be relayed directly to video recorder 69 or photo CDrecorder 68 for recording and/or to a monitor display 70; forapplications in which a photo-chemical image medium is being simulated,several grain pattern instilling options may be imposed to add thetextured appearance of film to the component-modified images: Thevideography of images projected onto a grain embodying surface process64, described in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, may be employed; or, theimage data can be relayed on for the addition of grain effects availablethrough existing all-digital program 59, familiar in digital retouchingof photography; or, a digital film recorder 60, such as aMacDonald-Dettweiler Associates Fire 1000 film recorder, may actuallyreproduce the component-modified images onto a selected, reversal filmstock. Should images be physically recorded onto film, and thenchemically processed with a film processor 61, the option of filmprojection 63, or scanning to video, digital video, or other electronicmedia, as shown at 62, may also be employed.

It is important that should the film recording option be employed, it ispreferred if the look-up-table program 57, used in the componentmodification, involves response data which compensates for the inherentcolor response of the film stock on which the images are being digitallyrecorded.

FIG. 6 shows an example of how look-up-table 57 can operate. Thelook-up-table is assembled according to one set of principalphotographic lighting variables, and shown in detail, to demonstrate themodification of component values in one pixel of an image stored on afirst image medium #1, to simulate the pixel response had a secondmedium #2 been the principal image recording means.

In correlating the ranges of original image data with the digitallyrepresented color stimulus which will cause the film stock used fordigital recording to register the desired component responses of theselected image medium being simulated, this new value which compensatesfor the anticipated color shift caused by recording film stock canreplace the component values which are directly derived from datarepresentative of the desired image medium being simulated. Through thislook-up-table, the integrity of the intended component modificationprocess is maintained.

In summary, the system described according to the invention allows anyimage medium to simulate images originated on another image medium.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment according to the present inventionwherein the original image is provided by a beam-splitter to an imageoriginating film camera having a preferably high definition video tapunit. The image originating camera, which includes a selectively smallgauge size film recording means, image dividing beam-splitter and videotap unit, is generally designated at 71 in FIG. 7. Preferably the videotap unit is a high resolution fiber optic digital unit, known to thoseof skill in the art. The camera 71 provides a film origination of theimage, designated 71A, as well as a video origination of the image,designated 71B, in FIG. 7. The film origination of the image designated71A in FIG. 7 is converted to digital data by a film to digital datascanner 52. The data from the scanner 52 is provided to a digital store54, the output of which is provided to a computing means 73 having akeyboard 56.

The video image 71B, which preferably is in the form of digital data, isprovided to a digital store 72, the output of which is provided to thecomputing means 73.

Computing means 73 replaces the video source color data with filmsourced component data by video source defined zones. This will bediscussed in greater detail below.

The output of the computing means is provided to a display monitor 70and also to a digital store 58. Devices 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64 65,66 and 67 function in the same way as described with respect to FIG. 5.

The output of the digital store 58 is also optionally provided to thedisplay monitor 70, a video recorder 69, and a photo CD image recordingmeans 68. The output of the photo CD image recording means 68 may alsobe provided to the display monitor 70. In addition, the output of thedigital store 58 is optionally provided to an interfield interpolationmeans 74 (described below), the output of which is provided to a videorecorder 75 and then to the display monitor 70. In addition, the outputof the video recorder 69 can be provided directly to the display monitor70 and also to the interfield interpolation means 74 for subsequentrecording on video recorder 75 and display on display monitor 70.

As discussed, the prior art which includes means to simulate the colorresponse of film from video originated images, does have the limitationof requiring uniform and predominantly shadow free lighting. Theconfiguration of the system of the invention, described herein,accomplishes the color "correction" phase of the process by providingactual filmed reference frames of the exact image being video graphed,on any selected film stock, to be used in reassigning color componentvalues by selected "zones" of the video originated images. This is doneby splitting the image into the two images 71A and 71B.

Existing film cameras with "video assists" which incorporate advancedbeam splitting and fiber optic video tap technology, provide means toprovide high resolution video images and filmed images by way of asingle lens, of the same original image. The "Vidiflex" systemdistributed by Cinema Products, Corp. is one such system, allowing foras little as 10% of the beam-split lens image to be relayed to the videotap unit (while still producing a fully broadcast quality video image,)as the remaining 90% of the split image is relayed for properphotographic exposure 35 mm film stock, the television industrystandard.

The present invention uses beam splitting camera 71 to relay the lensimage to both a selectively high resolution video unit, (which may be ahigh definition video unit,) and to the emulsion of a selectively smallgauge size of photographic film. This camera 71, preferably configuredprimarily as a video camera, provides the option of exposing the"reference" film frames at slower frame rates than the industrystandard, 24 film frames per second; by exposing as few as a singleframe of film per second, for example, on as small as 8 mm film, forexample, the elements of film production cost are greatly minimized. Inessence, the camera unit is a video camera with a "film tap," instead ofthe typical use of the "video tap," or "video assist" technology, whichis the reverse. During original videography the needs of both capturinga proper video image and properly exposed film image must be considered,as both have input in to the appearance of the final, on-line imagesprovided by way of this system.

In post production, after all final video material has been edited, thatfilm corresponding to the selected final video images would be processedand digitized. Existing digital means to identify and isolate imagezones, including those programs which identify image areas involvingselectively similar ranges of color, (black, luminance or other selectedimage characteristics,) can isolate image areas to be preciselyreferenced against those identical selected image areas within the filmoriginated material, which was derived from the simultaneously recordedoriginal image.

Programming providing for a selectively detailed averaging of colorvalues within the matching zones or digitized filmed images, known tothose of skill in the art, can then allow for new values to be assignedto the original video zones, allowing the video originated images toapproximate the color response of the filmed images of the same originalscene with selected specificity. Presently utilized technology andadvancements such as those disclosed in Takakura (U.S. Pat. No.5,264,946) provides means to identify and extract image regions based ongray levels, chromaticity positional information, or differential valuesof an image, among other means, with discrete threshold settingsallowing for quite discrete isolation of desired image zones. Firmsspecializing in the colorization of black and white films use variouseffective means for automatic identification of image zones by imagecharacteristics, for assignment of selected color data to those zones.

Should it be desired that one image derived from film is to be used inreassigning color value data to more than a single video originatedimage, (allowing for slower film frame rate speed during originalshooting,) existing digital technology can provide that:--theselectively specific image zones isolated for modification based on theaveraged filmed color values from respective image zones, may continueto be identified and modified within several sequential video-originateframes, based on a single film originated image's color data. Theidentification of these zones within subsequent frames of videooriginated material may be based on the identification of a selectedrange of color values as they shift within a selectively small area ofthe entire image, or by other existing means. Aesthetically, a happymedium of video originated images per film originated reference imagemay be reached based on the degree of specificity of the zoned colormodifications and the maintenance of a convincing, film-originated colorresponse "look" within the modified video originated material. The firmAmerican Film Technologies of San Diego, for example, utilizes existingtechnology to automatically reassign color data in a series of videoimages from a single "key frame" image, which in the context of thepresent system allows for a single filmed image to provide discreteimage zone color data to a series of images from a single scene, whereinall objects within subsequent frames are present in the filmed "keyframe," color reference image.

The color modified, video-originated material may then be displayed onmonitor 70, recorded directly (60), or subjected to the physical (64) ordigital (59) "film stock grain pattern instilling/simulation" meansdisclosed herein. The digital grain pattern instilling means can includethe option of the generation of random noise (or digital pseudorandomnoise), which is introduced into each video image, such as thatdisclosed by Beesely in U.S. Pat. No. 4,771,342. The physical grainpattern instilling means can include the videography of images as formedon a grain embodying, film sheath, or the actual recording of digitalimage data onto unexposed film, by way of a digital film recorderapparatus.

Further, the modified video may also be subjected to an additionalexisting process involving inter-field interpolation via an interfieldinterpolation means 74, lending the video originated images theframe-rate visual impression of film originated images followingtelecine transfer to video. This existing means for dropping andrepeating image data over selected video fields to simulate the framerate appearance of video images originated on film, (which accounts foranother aspect of the appearance of film when transferred to video,including a familiar "strobing" appearance when objects move within theimage,) is disclosed in Faber U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,335,013, and 4,935,816.The resulting video may then have images distributed over a modifiednumber of video fields each second, (instead of the typical 60 fields,providing 2 fields per image,) ideally serving to simulate then standard24 images per second of filmed material, when they are distributed overthe standard 60 fields of video, by way of a telecine transfer.

FIG. 8 illustrates the process of reassigning color data in videooriginated images from filmed image data, wherein the hybrid camera 71simultaneously relays a selected ratio of the same lens image to a CCDhigh resolution/definition digital video imaging unit (toward electronicprocess recording,) and to a selectively small gauge size ofphotographic film stock, (for photochemical process recording). Thevideo originated images are provided individually to digital store 72,while the filmed images are relayed to digital store 54, followingchemical processing of the film and scan to digital video, via telecinescanner, 52.

The computer 73 selectively identifies and replaces color data of imagezones within the video originated image data from store 72, withselectively averaged corresponding image zone color data from the filmedimages derived at the time the video images were originated, as providedvia store 54. Store 72 may be reloaded one or more times with newsequential images from the same scene represented by the filmed image instore 54, allowing that filmed image to function as a "key frame,"providing color data to computer 73 that can be applied to correspondingimage zones in several video originated images, as those zones can stillbe discretely isolated within the image as they move position and changespatially, to a selectively limited degree of variance determined asacceptable in the color reassignment process.

Each modified video originated image is then relayed to store 58, towardthe options of display, 70; video 75 or still image recording 68;physical instilling of the film grain patterns to the images byvideography of a videoprojection 64, or by digital film recording 60;digital instilling of film grain patterns to the images, 59; andinterfield interpolation 74 of sequential modified video images towardassemblage of a recorded sequence of video images that resembles filmedimages' appearance when presented on video following a standard telecinefilm-to-tape transfer process.

Although the present invention has been described in relation toparticular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modificationsand other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.Therefore, the present invention should be limited not by the specificdisclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for simulating a video image originatedon photographic film, from a video originated image, comprising:a camerafor generating an image for first generation video recording on a videomedium, and for simultaneously recording said image onto photographicfilm as a first generation filmed recording; a computer for digitallyreassigning color component data within said video originated imagebased on digital data representative of color component data within saidimage recorded on said photographic film.
 2. The apparatus claimed inclaim 1, wherein the camera comprises a single camera and the image isprovided through a single lens for recording on the video medium and thephotographic film.
 3. The apparatus claimed in claim 2, wherein thecamera includes a beam splitter for providing a selected ratio of theimage provided through the lens to said film and to a selected videounit for recording on said video medium.
 4. The apparatus claimed inclaim 1, wherein the computer identifies selected zones within saidvideo originated image, based on selected image characteristics, andreplaces color data within said zones based on color data withincorresponding zones within said image on photographic film.
 5. Theapparatus claimed in claim 1, wherein said camera includes:a device forutilizing film of a selected gauge size smaller than a standard 35 mmfilm width in recording said image on film.
 6. The apparatus claimed inclaim 5, wherein said camera further includes:a device to record saidimage on film at a selectively slower frame rate speed than the standardspeed of 24 frames per second.
 7. The apparatus claimed in claim 3,wherein the camera further includes:a device whereby said video unit cancapture an image of at least broadcast quality resolution from aselectively lesser ratio of the image, divided by said beam splitter,than the ratio of the image provided for proper exposure in recordingsaid image on film.
 8. The apparatus claimed in claim 4, wherein saidcomputer replaces color data within said zones of video originatedmaterial, as said zones shift within a selected number of sequentialvideo images from the same scene, based on color data within a singleimage from said image on film of said scene.
 9. The apparatus claimed inclaim 1, wherein the computer identifies selected zones within one or aselected sequential number of said video originated images of the samescene, based on selected image characteristics, and replaces color datawithin said zones based on color data within corresponding zones of asingle image on film of said scene.
 10. The apparatus claimed in claim4, further comprising a film grain pattern instiller for imparting afilm grain pattern to each of said video originated images, followingdigital reassignment of said color data.
 11. The apparatus claimed inclaim 10, wherein the film grain instiller comprises a digital filmgrain instiller.
 12. The apparatus claimed in claim 11, furthercomprising a noise generator for adding random or pseudo random videonoise to the video originated image following digital reassignment ofcolor data.
 13. The apparatus claimed in claim 10, wherein the filmgrain pattern instiller comprises a device for physically videographingimages projected onto a film surface having a film grain patternthereon.
 14. The apparatus claimed in claim 10, wherein the film grainpattern instiller comprises a digital film recorder for recording ofmodified data onto film which is then processed and returned to video bytelecine transfer.
 15. The apparatus claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising an interfield interpolator for modifying video images, saidinterpolator repeating and/or dropping images over selected videofields, to simulate the frame rate appearance filmed images have whenpresented on video following a telecine transfer.
 16. A method forsimulating video images originated on photographic film, from videooriginated images, comprising:simultaneously recording images onto avideo medium as a first generation video recording and onto photographicfilm as a first generation filmed recording; and digitally reassigningcolor component data within said video recording based on digital datarepresentative of color component data within said images recorded onsaid photographic film.
 17. The method claimed in claim 16, wherein saidstep of simultenously recording comprises using a single camera andproviding the images through a single lens for recording on the videomedium and the photographic medium.
 18. The method claimed in claim 17,wherein the step of simultanenously recording comprises splitting saidimages with a beam-splitter and providing a selected ratio of the imagesprovided through the lens to said film and to a selected video imagingunit for recording on the video medium.
 19. The method claimed in claim16, wherein the step of digitally reassigning comprises identifyingselected zones within said video originated image, based on selectedimage characteristics, and replacing color data within said zones basedon color data within corresponding zones within said images on film. 20.The method claimed in claim 18, wherein said step of simultaneouslyrecording comprises:utilizing film of selected gauge size smaller than a35 mm film width in recording said images on film.
 21. The methodclaimed in claim 16, wherein said step of simultaneously recordingcomprises:recording said images on film at a slower frame rate speedthan the standard speed of 24 frames per second.
 22. The method claimedin claim 18, wherein the step of simultaneously recordingcomprises:capturing images of at least broadcast quality resolution froma selected ratio of the image provided by said beam splitter whileproviding an ample ratio of said image provided by said beam splitterfor proper exposure in recording said images on film.
 23. The methodclaimed in claim 19, wherein said step of digitally reassigningcomprises:replacing color data within said zones of video originatedmaterial, as said zones shift within a selected number of sequentialvideo images from the same scene, based on color data within a singleimage from said images on film of said scene.
 24. The method claimed inclaim 16, wherein the step of digitally reassigningcomprises:identifying selected zones within one or a selected sequentialnumber of said video originated images of the same scene, based onselected image characteristics, and replacing color data within saidzones based on color data within corresponding zones of a single imageon film of said scene.
 25. The method claimed in claim 19, furthercomprising imparting a film grain pattern to each of said videooriginated images, following digital reassignment of said color data.26. The method claimed in claim 25, wherein the step of imparting a filmgrain pattern comprises digitally imparting said pattern.
 27. The methodclaimed in claim 26, further comprising adding random or pseudo randomvideo noise to the video originated image following digital reassignmentof color data.
 28. The method claimed in claim 25, wherein the step ofimparting a film grain pattern comprises physically videographing imagesprojected onto a film surface having a film grain pattern thereon. 29.The method claimed in claim 25, wherein the step of imparting a filmgrain pattern comprises digitally recording modified data ontophotographic film.
 30. The method claimed in claim 29, wherein saidmodified data recorded onto said photographic film is returned to videofollowing chemical processing of said film and a telecine transfer ofsaid film to video.
 31. The method claimed in claim 16, furthercomprising the step of interfield interpolating for modifying videoimages, said step of interpolating comprising repeating and/or droppingimages over selected video fields, to simulate the frame rate appearancethat filmed images have when presented on video following a telecinetransfer.
 32. A method for processing information of an image originatedon a video medium into data representative of a modified imagesimulating an image originated on a photographic medium,comprising:producing digital data representative of the color componentresponse of a selected photographic medium under a selected group ofvariables affecting the response of the selected photographic medium tosubject colors; storing said digital data in a memory for use inmodifying digital data representative of color component values withinsaid image originated on the video medium to simulate each correspondingcomponent response with an image originated on the photographic medium;correlating data derived from said image originated on said video mediumwith said digital data representative of the color component response ofthe photographic medium; selectively modifying respective information inthe image originate on the video medium based on corresponding data ofthe digital data representative of the color component response of thephotographic medium, thereby to simulate in said image originating onthe video medium characteristics of the photographic medium; and furthercomprising: performing interfield interpolation on said images on thevideo medium so as to repeat and/or drop images over selected videomedium fields to simulate the frame rate that the images in saidphotographic medium have when presented on a video medium.
 33. Apparatusfor processing information in an image on a video image storing mediuminto data representative of a modified image simulating an imageoriginated on a photographic image storing medium, comprising:adigitizing device for producing digital data representative of the colorcomponent response of a photographic medium under a selected group ofvariables affecting the response of the photographic medium to subjectcolors; a memory for storing said digital data for use in modifying eachdigital data color component in the image originated from the videomedium to simulate each corresponding component of an image originatedfrom the photographic image storing medium; a correlator for correlatingdata derived from the image from the video medium with said digital datarepresentative of the color component response of the photographic imagestoring medium; a computer for selectively modifying respectiveinformation in the image originating on the video medium based oncorresponding data of the digital data representative of the colorcomponent response of the photographic medium, thereby to simulate insaid image originating on the video medium characteristics of saidphotographic image storing medium; and further comprising an interfieldinterpolator for modifying said video medium images by repeating and/ordropping of images over selected video medium fields, thereby tosimulate the frame rate appearance that images filmed at 24frames-per-second have when presented on a video medium.